PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels — St. Matthew
Ryle, J. C. (John Charles), 1816–1900 · 139,856 words · 405 reading sections
EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPELS.
FOR FAMILY AND PRIVATE y_^E WITH THE TEXT C O M P j, E T,E . BY THE REV. J. C.ilYLE, b7a., CHRIST cnuRcn, oxfoed, KECTOR OF HELMINGHAM, SUFFOLK ; AuxnoE OF "living oe dead," "wheat or chaff," "startling questions,'' "rich or poor," "priest, puritan, and peeachee," etc.…
49 wordsSECTION 2PREFACE.
In sending forth the first volume of a new expository- work upon the Gospels, I feel it necessary, in order to prevent misapprehension, to offer some explanation of the character and design of the work. The " Expository Thoughts," which are now before the reader, are not a learned, critical commentary. I do not profes…
148 wordsSECTION 3IV P 11 E F A C E .
passages. In each Exposition I have generally begun by stating as briefly as possible the main scope and purpose of the passage under consideration. I have then selected two, three, or four prominent points in the passage, singled them out from the rest, dwelt ex- clusively on them, and endeavored to enforce them plain…
236 wordsSECTION 4PREFACE. V
quantity of truth lying loosely and tliinly scattered over the mind. A few foot-notes explaining difficult passages, have occasionally been added to the exposition. I have thought it good to add these notes for the information of readers, who may feel a wish to know what can be said about the ^'deep things" of Scriptu…
472 wordsSECTION 5PREFACE. VU
men's opinions. There are very few passages handled in these expositions, concerning which I have not at least looked at the views of the following writers : — • Chrysostom, Augustine, Theophylact, Euthymius, Cal- vin, Brentius, Bucer, Musculus, Gualter, Beza, BuUinger, Pellican, Calovius, Cocceius, Baxter, Poole, Hamm…
208 wordsSECTION 6VIU PREFACE.
The number of persons who visit hospitals, sick-rooms, and cottages, with an earnest desire to do spiritual good, is now very great. There is reason to believe that proper books for reading on such occasions are much wanted. Last, but not least, I trust that the work may not be found unprofitable for private reading, …
158 wordsSECTION 7VI.
vn. vin. 21—37. 38—48. 1—8. 9—15. 16—24. 25—34. 1—11. 12—20. 21—29. 1—15. The genealogy of Christ. The incarnation and name of Christ. The wise men from the East . The flight into Egypt, — and subsequent abode at Nazareth The ministry of John the Baptist . The baptism of Christ .... The temptation The…
176 wordsSECTION 8IG— 27. 28—34.
1—13. 14—26. 27—37. 1—15. 16—23. 24—33. 34—42. 1—15. 16—24. 25—30. 1—13. 14—21. 22—37. 38—50. 1—23. 24—43. 44—50. 51—58. 1—12. 13—21. 22—36. Christ's wisdom in dealing with professors, — the storm on the lake calmed The devil cast out of a man in the country of the Gergcsenes A palsied man healed, — the cal…
262 wordsSECTION 9XVIII.
1- -14. 15—20. 21—35. 1—15. 16—22. 23—30. 1—16. 17—23. 24—28. 29—34. 1—11. 12—22. 23—32. 33—46. 1—14. 15—22.…
32 wordsSECTION 10PAGE
Hypocrisy of Scribes and Pliarisces, — danger of traditions 170 False teachers, — the heart the source of sin . 175 The Canaanitish mother . . . .179 Christ's miracles of healing . . . .183 Enmity of the Scribes and Pharisees, — Christ's warning against them . . .187 Peter's noble confession 192 Peter rebuked 198…
211 wordsSECTION 11PAGE
The Sadducecs' question about the resurrection 288 The Lawyer's question about the great com- mandment,— Christ's question to His ene- mies 292 Christ's warning against the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees .... 296 Eight charges against the Scribes and Pliari- sees ........ 300 Christ's last pubhc words to the…
221 wordsSECTION 12MATTHEW I. 1—17.
1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham begat Isaac ; and Isaac begat Jacob ; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren ; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar ; and Phares begat Esrom ; and Esrom begat Aram ; 4 And Aram begat Aminadab ; and Aminadab begat Naa…
324 wordsSECTION 132 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
Let US thank God daily for giving lis the Scriptures. The poorest Englishman who understands his Bible, knows more about religion than the wisest philosophers of Greece and Kome. Let us remember our deep responsibility. We shall all be judged at the last day according to our light. To whomsoever much is given, of them…
291 wordsSECTION 14MATTHEW, CHAP. I. 3
The least mosses, and the smallest insects, serve some good end. Nothing is useless in the Bible. Eveiy word of it is inspired. The chapters and verses which seem at first sight unprofitable, are all given for some good purpose. Look again at these sixteen verses, and you will see in them useful and instructive lessons…
306 wordsSECTION 154 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John i. 13.) Praying parents should pray night and day, that their children may be born of the Spirit. Learn lastly from this list of names, hoiu great is the mercy and com^^assion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Think how defiled and unclean our nature is ; and th…
263 wordsSECTION 16MATTHEW I. 18—25.
18 Now tho birth of Jesus Christ ■was ou this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was fouud with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he tho…
405 wordsSECTION 176 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
line of duty made clear. In all probability he laid the matter before God in prayer. '' He that believeth shall not make haste." (Isaiah xxviii. 16.) The patience of Joseph was graciously rewarded. He received a direct message from God upon the subject of his anxiety, and was at once relieved from all his- fears. How …
298 wordsSECTION 18MATTHEW, CHAP. I. 7
He who is King of kings and Lord of lords miglit law- fully have taken some more high-sounding title. But He does not do so. The rulers of this world have often called themselves Great, Conquerors, Bold, Magnificent, and the like. The Son of God is content to call Himself Saviour. The souls which desire salvation may d…
313 wordsSECTION 198 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
fearful heresies. The name Emmanuel takes in the whole mystery. Jesus is " God with us." He had a nature like our own in all things, sin only excepted. But though Jesus was "with us" in human flesh and blood, He was at the same time very God. We shall often find, as we read the Gospels, that our Saviour could be weary…
297 wordsSECTION 20MATTHEW, CHAP. II.
9 the heart of a man. He can be touched with the feelino: of your infirmities. He has Himself experienced Satan's temptations. He has endured hunger. He has shed tears. He has felt pain. Trust Him at all times with all your sorrows. He will not despise you. Pour out all your heart before Him in prayer, and keep nothin…
155 wordsSECTION 21MATTHEW II. 1—12.
1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews ? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things^ he was trouble…
313 wordsSECTION 2210 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
It is not known who these wise men were. Their names and dwelHng-place are alike kept back from us. We are only told that they came " from the East." Whether they were Chaldeans or Arabians we cannot say. Whether they learned to expect Christ from the ten tribes who went into captivity, or from the prophecies of Daniel…
619 wordsSECTION 2312 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
The conduct of the wise men described in this chapter is a splendid exami^le of spiritual diligence. What trouble it must have cost them to travel from their homes to the house where Jesus was born ! How many w^eary miles they must have journeyed ! The fatigues of an Eastern traveller are far greater than we in England…
524 wordsSECTION 24MATTHEW II. IS-
IS And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appear- eth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there untU I bring tliee word : for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 "When he arose, he took the young child and bis…
178 wordsSECTION 25EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Kacliel weeping for her children, and would uotue comforted, because thevare not. rj But when Ilerod was dead, be- hold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the voung child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel…
363 wordsSECTION 26MATTHEW, CHAP. II. 15
have seldom done miicli for tlie advancement of true religion. They have far more frequently been the ene- mies of the truth. '' Put not your trust in princes.'' Those who are like Herod are many. Those who are like Josiah and Edward the Sixth of England are few. Observe how the Lord Jesus ivas " a mari of sorroivs" e…
296 wordsSECTION 2716 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
is but short." What has become of the Pharaohs and Neros and Diocletians, who at one time fiercely perse- cuted the people of God.? Where is the enmity of Charles the Ninth of France, and Bloody Mary of England ? They did thek utmost to cast the truth down to the ground. But the truth rose again from the earth, and sti…
300 wordsSECTION 28MATTHEW, CHAP. III.
17 passed in complete retirement. Truly this was hu- mility. Let us learn wisdom from our Saviour's example. We are far too ready to " seek great things" in this world. Let us seek them not. To have a place, and a title, and a position in society, is not nearly so important as j)eople think. It is a great sin to be c…
191 wordsSECTION 29MATTHEW III. 1—12.
1 In those days camo John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Eepent ye : for the kingdom of heaven fs at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the'way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And th…
171 wordsSECTION 30EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
father : for I say unto you, tbat God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees : therefore every tree which briugeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance : but he that c…
348 wordsSECTION 31MATTHEW, CHAP. HI. 19
himself'^ was coming among them. Ho was nothing more than a servant : the Coming One was the King. He himself could only '' baptize with water :" the Com- ing One could '^ baptize with the Holy Ghost/' take away sins, and would one day judge the world. This again is the very teaching that human nature requires. We nee…
305 wordsSECTION 3220 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
water is a great privilege. But let us see to it that we have also the haptism of the Holy Grhost. John the Baptist spoke plainly ahout the aioful danger of the impenitent and unbelieving. He told his hearers that there was a " wrath to come." He preached of an " unquenchable fire/' in which the chaff would one day be…
375 wordsSECTION 33MATTHEW III. 13—17.
13 Then cometli Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me ? 15 And Jesus answering said unto 1 6 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water : and, lo, the heavens were opened unto…
265 wordsSECTION 3422 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
Let us beware on the one hand, that loe do not attach a superstitious importance to the tdaPr of baptism. We must not expect that water to act as a charm. We must not suj^pose that all baptized persons as a matter of course receive the grace of God, in the moment that they are baptized. To say that all who come to bapt…
600 wordsSECTION 35EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
the Lord Jesus Christ, and committed their souls to Him for salvation. Such may rejoice in the thought, that though in themselves sinful, yet in God's sight they are counted righteous. The Father regards them as members of His beloved Son. He sees in them no spot, and for His son's sake is " well pleased." (Ephes. i. 6…
58 wordsSECTION 36MATTHEW IV. 1-11.
1 Then Jesus was led up of the spirit iuto the wilderness to be tempted of the de%dl. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was after- ward an hundred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is…
706 wordsSECTION 3726 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
Let US learn in the next place, that the chief loeapon we ought to use in resisting Satan is the Bible, Three times the great enemy offered temptations to our Lord. Three times his offer was refused, with a text of Scrip- ture as the reason, " it is written." Here is one among many reasons, why we ought to he diligent…
319 wordsSECTION 38MATTHEW, CHAP. IV.
27 distrust God's care and goodness ? So was Jesus. — Are they ever tempted to presume on God's mercy, and run into danger without warrant ? So also was Jesus. — Are they ever tempted to commit some one great private sin for the sake of some great seeming advantage ? So also was Jesus. — Are they ever tempted to liste…
170 wordsSECTION 39MATTHEW IV. 12—25.
12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cavSt into prison, he departed into Gahlee ; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim : 14 That it migJit be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, Baying, 15 The land of Zabulon…
249 wordsSECTION 4028 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
and nil manner of disease among the ! and tliose tliat had the palsy ; and he people. 'J4 And his fame went tbrou.Erhout all Syria : and they brought unto him all Bick people that were taken with divers ctiseases and torments, and those whicli were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, healed them. 2…
633 wordsSECTION 4130 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
The religion of Christ must have been from heaven, or it never could have prospered and overspread the earth as it has done. It is vain for infidels to attempt to answer this argument. It cannot he answered. A re- ligion which did not flatter the rich, the great, and the learned, — a religion which offered no license t…
480 wordsSECTION 42MATTHEW V. 1—12.
1 And seeing the multitudes, lie went up into a mountain : and when he was set, liis disciplescameunto him : 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3" Blessed are\he poor in spirit : for their's is tlie kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. 5^ Blessed are the m…
202 wordsSECTION 4332 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
contain what is commonly called the " sermon on the mount." Every word of the Lord Jesus ought to be most precious to professing Christians. It is the voice of the chief Shepherd. It is the charge of the great Bishop and Head of the Church. If is the Master speaking. It is the word of Him who " spake as never man spak…
297 wordsSECTION 44MATTHEW, CHAP. V. 33
selves more about sin than about anything on earth. The remembrance of it is grievous to them. The burden of it is intolerable. Blessed are all such ! '^ The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit." One day they shall weep no more. " They shall be comforted." The Lord Jesus calls those blessed, who are mee…
305 wordsSECTION 4534 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
strive to keep a heart and conscience void of offence, and to serve God witli the spirit and the inner man. Blessed are all such ! The heart is the man. " Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Sam, xvi. 7.) He that is most spiritual-minded will have most communion with God. The …
293 wordsSECTION 46MATTHEW^ CHAP. V.
35 characters which the Lord Jesus praises, the world de- spises. The very pride, and thoughtlessness, and high tempers, and worldliuess, and selfishness, and formality, and unlovingness, which abound everywhere, the Lord Jesus condemns. Let us learn how unhappily different is the teaching of Christ from the practice…
172 wordsSECTION 47MATTHEW V. 13—20.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth : but if the salt have lost his savor, where- with shall it be salted ? it is thenceforth good for notliing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put…
848 wordsSECTION 4838 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
any pretence whatever. Let us never listen to those who Lid lis throw it aside as an obsolete, antiquated, useless book. The religion of the Old Testament is the germ of Christianity. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud. The New Testament is the Gospel in full flower. — The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bla…
313 wordsSECTION 49MATTHEW, CHAP. V.
39 that the Christian is not intended to be as strict and particular about his daily life as the Jew. This is an immense mistake, but one that is unhappily very common. So far from this being the case, the sanctification of the New Testament saint ought to exceed that of him who has nothing but the Old Testament for h…
161 wordsSECTION 50MATTHEW V. 21—37.
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill ; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danorer of the judgment : 22 But i say unto you, That whoso- ever is angry with his brother with- out a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever sliall say to his brother, Eaca, shall be in …
299 wordsSECTION 51EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
thy members Bhould perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writino^ of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whoso- ever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery ; a…
393 wordsSECTION 52MATTHEW, CHAP. V. 41
nations, even when our outward conduct is moral and correct. The God with whom we have to do looks far beyond actions. With him even a glance of the eye may be a sin. He expounds the third commandment. Many fancied that they kept this part of God's law, so long as they did not swear falsely, and performed their oaths.…
293 wordsSECTION 5342 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
seventh commandments, if tlicy do not break them by outward act or deed. And so they live on satisfied with themselves, and quite content with their little bit of religion. Happy indeed are they who really understand God's law ! It teaches us our exceeding need of the Lord Jesus Christ's atonijig Mood to save us. What…
303 wordsSECTION 54MATTHEW, CHAP. V.
43 moved. We are merely doing as our Lord Jesus Christ bids us^ andj if tliis is tlie case, we have no cause to be ashamed.…
26 wordsSECTION 55MATTHEW V. 38—48.
38 Ye have heard that it hath heen said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth : 39 But I say unto yon. That ye re- sist not evil ; but wliosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 …
376 wordsSECTION 5644 EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
The Lord Jesus enjoins on us a spirit of universal love and charity. We ought to put away all malice. We ought to return good for evil, and blessing for cursing. We ought to "love even our enemies." — Moreover we are not to love in word only, but in deed. We are to deny ourselves, and take trouble, in order to be kind …
316 wordsSECTION 57MATTHEW, CHAP. V. 45
when their afFcction or interest moves them. But a Christian ought to he influenced hy higlier principles than these. — Do we flinch from the test ? Do we find it im- j)Ossible to do good to our enemies ? If that be the case, Ave may be sure we have yet to be converted. As yet we have not " received the Spirit of God."…
310 wordsSECTION 58EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS.
happier the world loould he than it is. Who does not know that quarrel lings, strifes, selfishness, and unkind- ness cause half the miseries by which mankind is visited ? Who can fail to see that nothing would so much tend to increase happiness as the S2)read of Christian love, such as is here recommended by our Lord ?…
141 wordsSECTION 59MATTHEW VI. 1-
1 Take heed that ye do not your akns before men to be seen of thern ; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is iu heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine ahns, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the Bvnagogues and m the streets, tliat they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto …
274 wordsSECTION 60MATTHEW, CHAP. VI. 47
Both in themselves deserve the serious attention of all professing Christians. Observe that our Lord takes it for granted, that all ivlio call tliemsdves His disciples ivill give alms. He assumes as a matter of course, that they will think it a solemn duty to give, according to their means, to relieve the wants of oth…
296 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (1857). Text from OCR of an original Internet Archive scan; OCR may contain recognition errors.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.